International Sports Programming Initiative
Who we are:
What is the International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI)?
ISPI is a U.S. Department of State-funded reciprocal sports exchange program between the United States and partnering countries to support coaches, sports administrators, and youth development professionals in creating positive social impacts in their communities.
The International Sport Programming Initiative
Since 2002, the International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI) has been facilitating two-way exchanges between American and foreign participants. The ISPI program promotes learning new coaching and administrative skills, creating connections between relevant U.S. sports organizations and their international counterparts, and empowering adult youth development professionals to build more inclusive and effective sports initiatives in their home countries. The program aims to promote the theme of sport for social change and advances foreign policy goals while reaching traditionally underserved audiences.
Funding for Exchanges
The International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI) is a funded by the Sports Diplomacy Division which is housed in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
sports Diplomacy Alumni
Alumni of the program leverage the knowledge and skills they have gained on their exchange experience to support the growth and development of sport in their community.
why Apply:
Benefits of Participating
The International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI) offers participants the opportunity to serve as citizen ambassadors for their country and explore sports in another part of the world through a fully-funded exchange program.
Showcase
Past Exchanges
Learn about previous Sport for Social Change Exchanges
Testimonials
Hear from our Past participants
Evija Kontante
Latvia
“The positive emotions and rich information gained during the program helped me make an important decision to move on to the next level in hockey life, where I am already a goalkeeper in the women’s hockey club SHK HK Ventspils and work as a volunteer parent in a local children’s and youth hockey club HK Ventspils – I will get a coach’s qualification! ”
Yoanna Dochevska
Bulgaria
“The Sports for Social Change program taught me the power of inclusion and how sports can unite communities. I am excited to do projects that empower underrepresented groups through sports initiatives when I return to Bulgaria using the knowledge and connections I gained on the program.”
Niroj Giri
Nepal
“The Sports for Social Change program stands as a milestone in my lifelong journey of growth and learning. It was a transformative experience: a perfect blend of lived experiences, determination, community engagement, and best practices in accessibility and disability inclusion through adaptive sports. Immersing myself in the culture of the United States and witnessing how sports can break down barriers has deeply inspired me to champion greater opportunities for people with disabilities in my community. This experience has fueled my passion to advance the development of adaptive sports in Nepal—there is so much more to achieve.”